A VIOLENT robber who fled prison has died just months after the authorities managed to track him down.

Jack Murray had been jailed for 11 years in 2015 for threatening to slit the throat of a Southampton watchmaker as he burgled his house, armed with a crowbar.

In May, the 32-year-old escaped from HMP Spring Hill in Aylesbury before being arrested on July 12 near Lyndhurst.

He was transferred to Coldingley prison, in Surrey.

However, a prison service spokesperson confirmed Murray died on Thursday.

The spokesperson said: “HMP Coldingley prisoner Jack Murray died in hospital on September 13 and our condolences are with Mr Murray’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“As with all deaths in custody there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

Murray was part of a group of masked thugs who broke into watch repairer Jim Webb’s home in Bitterne, armed with a crowbar, and demanded Mr Webb hand over his valuable Rolex watch.

At the trial in 2015, the court heard Murray had told Mr Webb that “If he resisted [Murray] would slit his throat from ear to ear”.

After Murray had been named as a suspect, he went on the run and was at large for 19 months before being found asleep in a car.

He was subsequently found guilty of armed robbery and jailed.

Murray attempted to have his sentence reduced, claiming he was “too sweaty” to get a fair trial.

His lawyer argued his excessive perspiration while sat in the dock could have given jurors the impression he was guilty.

London’s Appeal Court heard that Murray suffered from a condition known as hyperhidrosis.

His appeal was refused.

Earlier this year Murray once again hit the headlines when he absconded from HMP Spring Hill.

At the time police warned the public to not approach him. and the prison service added: “Public protection is our absolute priority.

“We are clear that those who do abscond face tough consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions where they will have to serve additional time.”